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Batman (DVD, 1997) 
Batman (DVD, 1997)

 
Batman (DVD, 1997)

Leading Role: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: Rated PG-13
Release Date: Apr 1997
Format: DVD
UPC: 085391200024
Product ID: EPID3053855
Description: Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe...
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Movie Description
Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe Jack Nicholson).


Gotham City is a sunless, ominous haven for criminals, held in the corrupt grip of crime boss Carl Grissom (the ever-magnetic Jack Palance), and terrorized by a sadistic vandal and murderer known as The Joker. But it isn't long before a dark, mysterious caped crusader, who goes by the name of BATMAN, is on their trail and trying to thwart their evil doings. In this darkly entertaining retelling of the Marvel comic classic, ace photojournalist Vicki Vale (warmly and sympathetically played by Kim Basinger) is also on the trail--she wants to find out who Batman really is. Based on the popular comic book character created by Bob Kane for DC Comics; the story and tone have nothing in common with the popular TV series of the 1960s. Imaginative special effects and imposing, Gothic architectural sets dominate this visually graphic, stylish film. Keaton gives a brooding performance as the Caped Crusader and his interestingly understated alter-ego Bruce Wane. But is it Nicholson's Joker that steals the show, with his unnerving, brilliantly maniacal portrayal, especially in the context of his twisted relationship with Grissom's gal Alicia (a lanky, disquieting Jerry Hall).

Credits
Cast:Billy Dee Williams, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Robert Wuhl, Tracey Walter

Details
Sound:Surround Sound

Notes
DVD Features:

Region 1
Snap Case
Pan & Scan - 1.33
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
   Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
   Dolby Surround - French
Interactive Features:
   Interactive Menus
   Scene Access
Text/Photo Galleries:
   Production Notes, Theatrical release: 1989.

It was shot at the Pinewood Studios in England where renowned director Stanley Kubrick shot almost all of his films.

The ad campaign and trailers for BATMAN used no tag lines or clips from the film, but instead merely showed the darkly glowing bat logo on a black background.

The film was based on the DC comics character but was also inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, which is about a darker, moodier Batman than the traditional character.

BATMAN won an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.

The film was released in the United States on the character's 50th anniversary.

Actor Robin Williams was reportedly considered for the role of The Joker before it was offered to Jack Nicholson.

This was not the first version of BATMAN put on the silver screen: In 1943, Lambert Hilyer directed a 15-episode serialization of the comic strip, followed in 1948 by Spencer Bennet's BATMAN AND ROBIN serial. In 1966, a film based on the 1960s television series was released featuring the show's stars Adam West and Burt Ward.

In Great Britain, the release of this film required the introduction of a new British Board of Film Classification rating, BBFC 12. This rating indicates that children under the age of twelve are not allowed to see the film, even with parental consent.

Linda Henrikson designed the costumes for Kim Basinger's character; Rick Provenzano was Ms. Basinger's hairdresser; Nick Dudman designed the makeup for the Joker.

Estimated budget $30-40 million.

Editorial Reviews
"...Nicholson keeps things moving higher and higher..."
Los Angeles Times - Sheila Benson (06/23/1989)

Awards
1989Academy AwardsBest Art Direction - Set Decoration

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    Top Reviews
      Best Batman of the first 4
    Review created: 01/07/07(updated 03/02/07)
    11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

    This was the best Batman film of the original 4. Michael Keetan was a great original Batman, and Jack Nicholsan was perfectly cast as the Joker. This film captured what Batman is supposed to be, and became an instant hit without being cartoony.

    Final Verdict:

    5/5

    Rent or Buy?: This is the only Batman film of the first 4 that I would call a must buy. Great movie that doesn't lose its magic.

    IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.


    Review ID: 10000000002695177
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      After Repeated Viewings....
    Review created: 04/22/07
    5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

    The Batman 1989 Movie Restarted the resurgence in collecting Batman comics. Just having the Batman's fans talking about the casting of Michael Keaton as the Batman gave life to interest in the then upcoming movie! Prior to the Batman movie, Keaton was more known for his comedic roles and just didn't seem to be the right choice for the square jawed Batman among most Batman fans.

    Additionally the fans were wondering if the movie would be as 'campy'as the earlier 1960's TV Show starring Adam West as Batman, or would it have the tone and themes of Alan Moore's BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE and Frank Miller's BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS...??

    A rushed teaser trailer was quickly released to prove to the fans that the upcoming film would be more faithful to the original comic books, which had the darker Batman before the Comics Code Authority changed the tone of the comic books in the mid 1950's.

    Despite the earlier worries, the film became the most successful of 1989 and received praise from many Batman readers. Additionally, Keaton changed many fans' minds about his casting to become hailed as one of the best actors to play the title role, especially with some of the later choices!!

    Movie Critics' reaction to the film was largely mixed, with some praising the film for its set design and production value, while others panned it as being too much of an intellectual exercise for Tim Burton and too little of a Batman movie.

    Roger Eber, who I recently found out is a true comic book fan, gave the film two stars, out of four, remarking, "'Batman' is a triumph of design over story, style over substance - a great-looking movie with a plot you can't care much about."

    Batman opened in over 2,000 theaters in North America. In its opening weekend, it grossed $40,489,746, which, at the time of its release, was a new record.

    The film ended its theatrical first run with $251,188,924, and was not only the biggest moneymaker of 1989, but was also the fifth highest-grossing film of all time. The film's total worldwide box office gross was $411,348,924. It is, to date, the most financially successful Batman movie of the franchise.

    I did like this movie when it first came out, but cannot watch it on a repeated basis as the violence is just too over the top for me.

    It still is a must for a Batman collection tho!

    Michael


    Review ID: 10000000003431855
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